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Saturday, 17 October 2026
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Paradigm REIT Elevates Retail Portfolio with Wave of International Brands Across Its Malls

By Abigail Cheong3 min read

Petaling Jaya, 13 October 2025 — Paradigm Real Estate Investment Trust (Paradigm REIT) is redefining Malaysia’s retail scene with a vibrant influx of international tenants, including several debut brands making their first forays into both Malaysia and Johor. The new line-up underscores the REIT’s strategy to diversify its tenant mix and strengthen the vibrancy of its mall portfolio through active asset management.

At the heart of this expansion is Zui De Yi (最得意), a celebrated culinary brand from Fujian Province, China, which has chosen Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya (PMPJ) as the home of its first Malaysian flagship restaurant. Rooted in the authentic flavors of Fujian cuisine and led by an award-winning team of chefs, Zui De Yi’s concept marries tradition with innovation, presenting homestyle Chinese dishes such as Sliced Fish with Green Sichuan Pepper and Passion Fruit and King-style Stir-fried Chicken. The restaurant’s family-friendly dining atmosphere and affordable menu enrich PMPJ’s culinary landscape, reinforcing Paradigm REIT’s commitment to curating international F&B offerings that resonate with local consumers.

International Expansion at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru

Further south, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru (PMJB) has welcomed six new global tenants, marking their first presence in Johor and, for several, in Malaysia. The additions include China’s Colorist, Top Toy, and Doale; Singapore’s fitness-lifestyle brand Stryv; Canadian coffeehouse Tim Hortons; and the UK’s beloved Ben’s Cookies.

The new entries collectively represent a curated cross-section of lifestyle, retail, and experiential concepts designed to appeal to Malaysia’s increasingly cosmopolitan shoppers. Each brand brings a fresh proposition, from premium confectionery to collectible toys and artisanal beverages, positioning PMJB as a key destination for both domestic and cross-border visitors.

Strategic Tenant Diversification and Value Creation

The inflow of international names reflects Paradigm REIT’s hands-on, insight-driven approach to tenant management, which leverages data analytics, consumer trends, and strategic brand partnerships. This continuous renewal of offerings not only sustains mall traffic but also contributes to yield optimization and long-term asset value, core priorities for REIT unitholders.

Ms Chua Kah Noi Selena, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Paradigm REIT Management Sdn Bhd, said the introduction of globally recognized tenants signals both brand confidence and market momentum:

“We take a hands-on approach in curating our tenant mix to deliver a balanced combination of international names, local favourites, and experiential concepts. The arrival of these globally recognised brands not only enhances our malls’ appeal, but also reaffirms Paradigm REIT’s ability to attract strong tenants who share our vision for growth and innovation.”

Outlook: Sustained Growth and Consumer Confidence

Paradigm REIT’s continued tenant diversification aligns with its broader strategy of asset enhancement, designed to drive both footfall growth and long-term value creation. As international retail brands seek resilient, strategically located shopping destinations in Southeast Asia, Paradigm REIT’s malls in Petaling Jaya and Johor Bahru stand as key beneficiaries of that trend.

By combining global retail energy with Malaysian consumer vibrancy, Paradigm REIT is demonstrating how proactive asset management can future-proof malls and deliver sustained performance, both operationally and financially, across its portfolio.

Author

  • I am Abigail, a journalist at The Ledger Asia, covering business and finance with a focus on the Malaysian Stock Market and key economic developments across Asia. Known for clear, accessible reporting, I deliver insights that help readers understand market trends, corporate movements, and regional news shaping the Asian economy.